Game capsule

ABSTRACT

A game includes a game capsule has dual purpose for providing a game status tracking element, and providing packaging and storage for a figure and other elements associated with the game. A figure structure including the figure associated with the game, which is attached to a substantially round base with a pointer, may be attached to an upper hemispherical component of the game capsule. A matching attachment structure between the base and the upper component may be employed such as an indexed plug and recess. Stickers placed in recessed areas on the outer surface of the upper component may provide instructions, statistics, and the like. A position of the figure structure may determine the sticker to be employed in selecting movements, and the like at each game level. The lower or upper components may provide a measuring element for a player&#39;s movement in the game.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toys, and in particular, to a game capsule.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While children enjoy an intellectual stimulation component of board games and puzzles, tactile games are favored by many as well. Most interesting games tend to be those combining intellectual components of board games and puzzles with tactile engagement.

Moreover, a compact game that is relatively convenient to store and transport are commonly preferred by children as well as parents. Also, the packaging of a game can play an important role in its popularity. Games that combine intellectually stimulating puzzles or board games, along with tactile engagement have been successful in the marketplace. Thus, it is with respect to these considerations, and others, that the present invention has been made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a game capsule;

FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the game capsule;

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of a figure structure base;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the game capsule employing round pegs to engage the figure structure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the game capsule as shown in FIG. 3A with and without the base;

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the game capsule employing rectangular pegs to engage the figure structure;

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the game capsule as shown in FIG. 4A with and without the base;

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a yet further embodiment of the game capsule;

FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the game capsule as shown in FIG. 5A with and without the base; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sticker set to be affixed to an upper hemispherical component of a game capsule, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as methods or devices. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed towards a game capsule that combines an intellectual stimulation component such as a puzzle, a board game and the like, along with tactile engagement features. A packaging for game elements may be used to facilitate record keeping, a status indication, a movement of a game element, an instruction for a game, and the like. By using the packaging for game elements to facilitate game play, a size of the packaging may be reduced resulting in lower manufacturing costs and increased marketability such as sales through vending machines.

The game elements may comprise one or more figures that are included in the packaging. The figure(s) may include a representation of a character, a vehicle, a device, a weapon, a tool, and the like. According to one aspect of the present invention, each game capsule may include at least one game element that is randomly selected from a predetermined set of game elements such that a game player determines an identity of the at least one game element upon opening the packaging.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of game capsule 100. As the figure shows, game capsule 100 comprises lower hemispherical component 102, upper hemispherical component 104, and figure structure 106.

In a play mode, lower component 102 may be removed from upper component 104. Figure structure 106 may be attached to the top of upper component 104. In a storage mode, figure structure 106 may be removed from the top of upper component 104 and stored inside game capsule 100. Other elements of the game (not shown) may also be stored inside game capsule 100. In one embodiment, various coloring schemes associated with the game may be implemented on lower component 102, upper component 104, and figure structure 106.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of game capsule 100 according to the present invention. Upper component 104 may include locking mechanism 206, sticker recesses 208, and plug 210. Locking mechanism 206 may comprise a matching pair of threads, tongue and groove, indentations, and the like, along the edges of upper component 104 and lower component 102. Sticker recesses 208 may enable attachment of at least one sticker that includes elements associated with playing a game. Such elements may include instructions for the game, statistics, and the like. In one embodiment, stickers may be attached to areas outlined by slight indentations instead of recesses. In another embodiment various coloring schemes may be employed indicating placement for stickers associated with the game.

Plug 210 may be molded to the top of upper component 104 or operate as a separate component that is attached to the upper component. Plug 210 may include indices along its circumference to enable placement of figure structure 106 to indicate or point to a particular sticker disposed in one of sticker recesses 208. In one embodiment, further instructions associated with the game may be displayed on plug 210.

Upper component 104 may be manufactured employing a hardened material including, but not limited to, plastic, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, and the like.

Lower component 102 may include a matching half of locking mechanism 206 that may comprise a pair of threads, tongue and groove, indentations, and the like, along the edge of lower component 102 as described above. Lower component 102 may be manufactured employing a soft material including, but not limited to, softened plastic, nylon, polyester, vulcanized elastomer, natural and synthetic rubber, and the like. In one embodiment, surfaces of lower component 102 and upper component 104 may be textured.

Figure structure 106 may include FIG. 212 and base 214. FIG. 212 may represent a character, an object, and the like associated with the game. FIG. 212 may be manufactured employing a technique such as injection molding, casting, hand forming, die-cutting material such as cardboard, and the like. FIG. 212 may be molded to base 214. In one embodiment, base 214 may be substantially round and have a hollow bottom side for fitting over plug 210. Base 214 may include a protrusion on its circumference to point to a sticker at one stage of the game. Base 214 may further include an index point along its bottom inner circumference for maintaining its position in relation to a particular sticker disposed in one of the plurality of sticker recesses 208.

Game capsule 100 may be utilized in association with a card game, board game, video game, and the like. In one embodiment, lower component 102 may be employed to measure movement of a player on a board game, and the like. The game may comprise elements including, but not limited to, movements, as measured in capsule lengths, attack and defense positions, statistics such as damage, points, and the like. The game may further include special abilities for each player at different stages of the game. Actions in the game may include a player removing figure structure 106, rotating and repositioning over plug 210 to indicate a new sticker in association with the game. Tactile engagement by employing figure structure 106 in association with the game may increase stimulation provided by the game.

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of base 214 according to the present invention. As the figure shows, base 214 may be substantially round with a hollow bottom side. Base 214 may include pointer 216 on its circumference to indicate a sticker at one stage of the game. Inner circumference 218 of base 214 may be measured to enable a snug fit over plug 210. Base 214 may further include protrusion 220 along inner circumference 218 for maintaining its position in relation to the indicated sticker. Base 214 may or may not be manufactured of the same material as upper component 104 and molded to FIG. 212. This material may include resin, plastic, metal, glass, wood, paper, nylon, and the like. In one embodiment upper surface of base 214 may include indications such as symbols and further instructions associated with the game.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of game capsule 100 employing round pegs to engage a figure structure. Some components of game capsule 100 such as lower component 102, locking mechanism 206, sticker recesses 208, and FIG. 212 may be substantially similar to those described in FIG. 2A.

Figure structure 306 includes FIG. 212 and base 322. In one embodiment, base 322 may include a concave bottom surface that includes at least two substantially round protrusions. The protrusions may be arranged to engage a plurality of substantially round recesses on top portion 324 of upper component 304 such that a position of figure structure 306 is maintained relative to at least one sticker applied to stickers recesses 208. In another embodiment, the recesses on top portion 324 may be arranged to form a circle on top portion 324 such that figure structure 306 may be rotated by a player and point to a different sticker at each level of the game.

In a further embodiment, top portion 324 may include a plurality of substantially round protrusions and base 322 may include at least two substantially round recesses that are arranged to engage the protrusions.

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the embodiment of game capsule 100 as shown in FIG. 3A with and without base 322. Upper hemispherical component 304 and sticker recesses 208 are substantially similar to likewise numbered components described above.

Top portion 324 is indicated in the figure with dashed lines on a center of upper component 304. In one embodiment, top portion 324 may include a plurality of substantially round recesses 326. Recesses 326 may be arranged to form a circle such that figure structure 306 may be rotated by a player and point to a different sticker at each level of the game. As shown in the figure, base 322 includes at least two substantially round protrusions 328 that are arranged to engage at least two of the substantially round recesses 326. By engaging substantially round recesses 326, substantially round protrusions 328 enable figure structure 306 to be firmly attached to upper component 304 while indicating a sticker with pointer 330.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of game capsule 100 employing rectangular pegs to engage a figure structure. Some components of game capsule 100 may be substantially similar to those described in FIG. 3A.

A significant difference between game capsule 100 described in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4A is a shape of engagement protrusions and recesses employed for attaching base 432 to top portion 434 of upper component 404. In one embodiment, a concave bottom surface of base 432 may include at least two substantially rectangular protrusions. The protrusions may be arranged to engage a plurality of substantially rectangular recesses on top portion 434 of upper hemispherical component 404 such that a position of figure structure 406 is maintained relative to at least one sticker applied to sticker recesses 208.

Similar to FIG. 3A, a position of substantially rectangular protrusions and recesses may be reversed between top portion 434 and base 432 such that top portion 434 includes at least two substantially rectangular protrusions that are arranged to engage substantially rectangular recesses on base 432.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the embodiment of game capsule 100 as shown in FIG. 4A with and without base 432. Upper component 404 and sticker recesses 208 are substantially similar to likewise numbered components described above.

Recesses 436 may be arranged to form a circle such that figure structure 406 may be rotated by a player and point to a different sticker at each level of the game. As shown in the figure, base 432 includes at least two substantially rectangular protrusions 438 that are arranged to engage at least two of the substantially rectangular recesses 436. Pointer 330 is employed to indicate a selected sticker as described previously.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a yet further embodiment of game capsule 100. As in previous figures, some components of game capsule 100 are substantially similar to those described above. Top portion 542 of upper hemispherical component 504, however, has a substantially flat surface in this embodiment. The substantially flat surface of top portion 542 may include at least two lateral protrusions 544 along its circumference that are arranged to operate as a lip structure holding base 540 in place.

Corresponding to the substantially flat surface of top portion 542, base 540 may also have a substantially flat shape that is arranged for a snug fit to top portion 542. In one embodiment, top portion 542 may include small indentations (not shown) on its upper surface, which together with corresponding small recesses (not shown) on a bottom surface of base 540 are arranged to maintain a position of figure structure 506 relative to a sticker on upper component 504.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the embodiment of game capsule 100 as shown in FIG. 5A with and without base 540. In one embodiment, sticker recesses 208 may be implemented on an upper surface of base 540. In another embodiment, top portion 542 may include indicator 546 that is arranged as an overhang on base 540 for pointing a selected sticker.

In a further embodiment, indicator 546 may include an indentation on its bottom surface such that a position of figure structure 506 relative to upper component 504 is maintained.

FIG. 6 illustrates sticker set 600, which can be affixed to upper component 104 of game capsule 100 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 4, sticker set 600 may include instructions for the game, statistics, and the like. Sticker set 600 may be manufactured from durable materials such as paper, polyester, nylon, and the like. Sticker set 600 may be included as a set of peelable stickers in the sales package. In one embodiment, stickers of sticker set 600 may be prepositioned on upper component 104. In another embodiment, sticker set 600 may be manufactured according to a color scheme associated with the game.

In one embodiment, sticker set 600 may include stickers 650-657 that are associated with a particular game. Each sticker may include first symbol 670 and associated first number 671, second symbol 672 and associated second number 673, third symbol 674 and associated third number 675, and status bar 660.

The game may begin with a determination of a player to move by rolling a dice. The selected player may move the figure structure by a distance that is determined by multiplying a width of the game capsule by first number 671. A map may provide at least one path for figure structure to follow. If the figure structure of a moving player touches the figure structure of another player, the moving player may determine whether he/she can attack, based on a second dice roll. If a result of the dice roll is smaller than second number 673 on a currently indicated sticker, the moving player may attack. If the result of the dice roll is larger, the moving player may not attack.

If the moving player is in a position to attack, the player may compare third number 675 on his/her figure structure with the third number on the other player's figure structure. If the moving player's third number 675 is larger, the moving player may score a “hit” and play again. If the other player's third number is larger, the moving player may score a “miss” and the other player may move. Status bar 660 may indicate whether a player may roll the dice for a second time before attacking. Furthermore, one of the stickers of sticker set 600, such as sticker 657, may include a terminate symbol 666, which may indicate loss of game for a player whose figure structure indicates the sticker with terminate symbol 666.

In one embodiment, the figure structure may be rotated left or right depending on a result of an attack indicating a different sticker on the upper component. Sticker set 600 describes an exemplary game which may employ an embodiment of the present invention. The invention, however, is not so limited. The game capsule and other components described herein may be utilized in association with virtually any card game, board game, video game, and the like.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

1. A game that includes a packaging that is employable with at least one game component, wherein the packaging enables at least a status indicator for the at least one game component.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein the at least one game component included in the packaging is randomly selected from a predetermined set of game components such that a player determines an identity of the at least one game component upon opening the packaging.
 3. A packaging for a game, wherein the packaging is adapted for use with a vending machine, and wherein the packaging is arranged to enable at least one of a status indication and a movement associated with the game.
 4. A game capsule that is arranged as a packaging with at least one figure for facilitating at least one of a status indication, a record keeping, a movement of an element of a game, and an instruction for the game.
 5. The game capsule of claim 4, wherein the packaging comprises a game capsule that includes: at least one figure structure including the figure associated with the game and a substantially round base, wherein the figure is attached to the base; a lower hemispherical housing having a locking mechanism along its edge; and an upper hemispherical housing comprising: a locking mechanism along its edge, engageable to the locking mechanism of the lower hemispherical housing; and a top portion that is arranged to engage the base of the figure structure.
 6. The game capsule of claim 4, wherein the at least one figure includes a representation of at least one of a character, a vehicle, and a device.
 7. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the top portion of the upper hemispherical housing includes a substantially flat plug that includes a plurality of indices along its circumference such that the base is enabled to engage the top portion in a tongue-and-groove fashion.
 8. The game capsule of claim 7, wherein the base comprises: a substantially round, recessed bottom; an inward protrusion from an inner circumference of the recessed bottom that is arranged to engage one of the plurality of indices on the substantially flat plug of the upper hemispherical housing such that a position of the figure structure relative to a plurality of stickers applied to the upper hemispherical housing is maintained; and an outward protrusion from an outer circumference of the recessed bottom that is arranged to indicate one of the plurality of stickers.
 9. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the top portion of the upper hemispherical housing includes at least two substantially round recesses such that the base is enabled to engage the top portion.
 10. The game capsule of claim 9, wherein the base comprises: a substantially concave bottom surface; a plurality of substantially round protrusions on the concave bottom surface that are arranged to engage the at least two recesses on the top portion of the upper hemispherical housing such that a position of the figure structure relative to a plurality of stickers applied to the upper hemispherical housing is maintained; and a pointer protruding outward from an outer circumference of the base that is arranged to indicate one of the plurality of stickers.
 11. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the top portion of the upper hemispherical housing includes at least two substantially rectangular recesses such that the base is enabled to engage the top portion.
 12. The game capsule of claim 1 1, wherein the base comprises: a substantially concave bottom surface; a plurality of substantially rectangular protrusions on the concave bottom surface that are arranged to engage the at least two recesses on the top portion of the upper hemispherical housing such that a position of the figure structure relative to a plurality of stickers applied to the upper hemispherical housing is maintained; and a pointer protruding outward from an outer circumference of the base that is arranged to indicate one of the plurality of stickers.
 13. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the top portion of the upper hemispherical housing includes: a recessed, substantially flat surface; at least two lateral protrusions along a circumference of the substantially flat surface that are arranged to operate as a lip structure holding the base in place; at least one vertical protrusion from the substantially flat surface that is arranged to engage a plurality of recesses on a bottom surface of the base; at least one indicator along the circumference of the substantially flat surface that is arranged to indicate one of a plurality of stickers applied to a top surface of the base.
 14. The game capsule of claim 13, wherein the base comprises: a substantially flat bottom surface; a plurality of recesses on the substantially bottom surface that are arranged to engage the at least one vertical protrusion on the top portion of the upper hemispherical housing such that a position of the figure structure relative to the at least one indicator is maintained; and a plurality of recessed areas on the top surface of the base of the figure structure that are arranged to receive the plurality of stickers associated with the game.
 15. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the upper hemispherical housing further includes at least one recessed area along an outer surface of the upper hemispherical housing for application of a sticker associated with the game.
 16. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one of a pair of threads, a tongue and groove structure, and a plurality of indentations.
 17. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the upper hemispherical housing is manufactured employing at least one of plastic, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, and polyamide.
 18. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the lower hemispherical housing is manufactured employing at least one of softened plastic, nylon, polyester, vulcanized elastomer, and rubber.
 19. The game capsule of claim 5, wherein the figure structure is stored inside the packaging comprising the upper hemispherical housing and the lower hemispherical housing.
 20. A game that is arranged to employ a packaging in conjunction with the packaging for facilitating at least one of a, status indication, a record keeping, a movement of at least one element of the game, and at least one instruction associated with the game, wherein contents of the packaging include a representation of at least one of a character, a vehicle, and a piece of equipment.
 21. The game of claim 20, wherein the packaging comprises an upper hemispherical housing and a lower hemispherical housing.
 22. The game of claim 20, wherein the representation of at least one of a character, a vehicle, and a piece of equipment includes a figure structure comprising a figure and a base that is attached to the figure.
 23. A method of playing a game that is arranged to employ a packaging for facilitating at least one of a status indication, a record keeping, a movement of at least one element of the game, and at least one instruction associated with the game, the method comprising: determining a first figure structure that is to make a first move; moving the first figure structure included in the packaging based on a first number included on a predetermined sticker applied to the packaging; if the first figure structure touches another figure structure rolling a dice; if the first figure structure does not touch the other figure structure, moving the other figure structure based on the first number associated with the other figure structure; if the dice is rolled, comparing a value of the rolled dice with a second number on the predetermined sticker; if the second number is larger than the value of the dice, scoring a hit; and if the second number is smaller than the value of the dice, scoring a miss.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein moving the first figure comprises: repositioning the first figure on a predetermined path based by a distance that is determined by multiplying a width of the packaging with the first number.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the sticker is determined based on a pointer on a base that is attached to the first figure.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: rotating the first figure on the packaging such that the pointer indicates a next sticker before another movement.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the game ends if the pointer indicates a sticker with a end-of-game symbol.
 28. An apparatus comprising: a means for packaging a game; a means for representing a figure that includes at least one of a character, a vehicle, and a piece of equipment; a means for indicating a plurality of instructions that are associated with at least one of a movement, a decision, a status indication, and a score, wherein the indicating means is attached to the packaging means; and a means for attaching the figure means to the packaging means such that the figure means points to at least one of a plurality of indicating means. 